The Diamond Family
Chapter 1: Wedding Day
This first chapter of a new story. Thanks for taking the time to read. I hope you enjoy. Please leave a review if you have the chance. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them.
Perspectives: Snow and Eiji
Snow's Perspective
My eyes opened and my vision was a blur. I blinked it away. I ached. I couldn't move without discomfort. Cool diamond chains dug into my skin. I sent chakra to my arms, but couldn't break free. Helpless. I turned on my side. Where am I?! I took a breath and gathered myself the best I could. Panic will only make things more difficult. I took in my surroundings. I laid in a cushy bed in what felt like silk sheets. The blankets and pillows smelled of lavender. The bedroom I was lavish in decor. A cool breeze ruffled through my hair. There was an open balcony door. Eiji stood there. The wind danced through his long silver hair.
I need to at least try to move. I managed to roll out of bed, fall onto the floor. Eiji turned to face me. His mismatched eyes focused on me. He strode quietly into the bedroom. Eiji lifted me from the floor, placing me in bed.
"You're awake", he said.
I gave him no answer.
"Are you well?" asked Eiji.
"How dare you ask me that?!" I screamed.
"Still so strong", said Eiji.
It was a front. I wasn't sure how long I could keep it up.
"You remind me of your mother. You so resemble her", said Eiji.
The idea of my mother threw me through a loop. I tried not to think of her. It was too painful as a child.
"The thought of your mother must be distressing. You should know she loved you more than life itself", said Eiji.
"Why are you telling me this? I didn't ask", I said.
"You should know that she's a good person", said Eiji.
"And my father?" I asked.
Eiji tensed.
"Not worth speaking about", he said.
Eiji ran his hand down the center of the chains, causing them to fall away. I went I to run but he held my wrist in an iron grip.
"Did you truly believe I would allow you to escape so easily?" he said.
"It was worth a try", I said.
Eiji slid diamond bands around my wrists.
"I don't want your jewelry", I said.
"It isn't jewelry. These are bindings that suppress your chakra. They are of my own creation so they won't be broken", said Eiji.
"Fine", I said.
I called upon my chakra, but there was nothing.
"They'll also allow me to track you. So if you manage to escape I'll find you and report those criminals you call family", said Eiji.
I frowned. Escaping will put those I hold most dear at risk. I can't allow that to happen.
"You know who they are. Do you think you're capable of making such a threat? You may be immortal but you aren't indestructible", I said.
"I'm not indestructible and I've never claimed to be. I'm the Guardian of the Hidden Diamond", said Eiji.
"Guardian?" I asked.
"Yes, its hold the same status and power as the great kages. Actually, it's a far older title. You do know of the kages right", said Eiji.
I nodded.
"They taught you", said Eiji.
"Yes", I said.
I tried lifting my hands, but they were weighed down.
"I can't move my arms!' I said.
"You'll adjust their weights in time. Fighting against will only make them heavier", said Eiji.
I looked at myself. I was dressed in new clothes. I wore a long white cotton nightgown. The pink ribbon at the top was undone, exposing my cleavage. I tensed when he leaned closer. I watched in shock as he tied the ribbon in a neat bow.
"I've always been one for modesty, Snow", said Eiji.
I glared at him.
"I thought you preferred going by that name", said Eiji.
"Why would you call me by it?" I asked.
"I want you to be comfortable here. I will be the only one to call you by that name. The rest of the world will know you as Lady Minori", said Eiji.
Lady? That was a title that belonged to some noblewoman. Not me.
"Why were you given that name?" asked Eiji.
"I reminded him of the purity of the first snowfall", I said.
"Fitting", said Eiji.
I sighed.
"Kakuzu is the 'him' you're referring to", said Eiji.
I nodded.
"I don't care how long it takes I will return to them", I said.
"Good luck", said Eiji.
"Are you mocking me?" I asked.
"You understand the risk you pose to your adoptive family. If they weren't people of deplorable nature than your escape would be easier. They aren't your real family", said Eiji.
"You aren't my real family either!" I yelled.
"Are you aware of the atrocities they've committed?" asked Eiji.
"Yes, but don't you dare act like there no blood on your hands. No man rises to power without causing more than there fair of bloodshed", I said.
"You're wise for someone of such youth. I do hold the heavy burden of guilt over my actions. But it all part of my duty as a shinobi", said Eiji.
There was regret in his voice. A truly evil person isn't capable of such regret.
He didn't answer. The guilt was heavy in his eyes. If he were a truly evil man he wouldn't have such feelings. Maybe I can draw on that.
"Why change your opinion on me now? Why am I so fucking important now? Why not when I was a child? Am I only important now because I'm of breeding age?! Do you know how great an agony it is to go through a majority of your life believing no one gives a damn about you? They only see you as property. You are just the same as them, Eiji. You only want me for my womb. You don't love me", I said.
Gems were pouring down from my eyes.
"Is that truly how you believe I see you?" he asked.
I nodded.
"I've searched for since the time you were stolen never giving up always hoping to find you. I do care deeply for you", said Eiji.
"You don't even know me. Your efforts failed. If you're such a grand and capable leader you should have been capable of finding me", I said.
"I tried more than you can ever know", said Eiji.
"I never saw any result of that effort", I said.
I felt so hopeless. He has every advantage. These bracelets make escape almost impossible. I let my tears fall. I'm allowed to cry. He joined me in bed.
"Don't cry. I've never taken any joy in such a sight", said Eiji.
"Why do you care?" I asked.
"Someone as beautiful as you shouldn't hide behind tears", said Eiji.
The beauty and kindness of his words caught me off guard. Why would he ever speak to me in such a way? My hands fisted when I blushed.
"You're unused to compliments", said Eiji.
"My reaction means nothing", I said.
I sniffled and stopped the tears from following.
"One day you'll love me, Snow", said Eiji.
I hated the confidence in his voice.
"I WILL NEVER LOVE YOU!" I screamed.
He sighed but showed no signs of anger.
"I'm a patient man, Snow. I've waited this long for you I can wait longer. You will learn to love me", said Eiji.
"NEVER!" I shouted.
"In time you'll change your mind", said Eiji.
Again with that confidence! He pulled the blanket over me. Why does he care?
"Rest", he said before leaving the room.
The door locked behind him. I took a breath and stopped the bindings. They grew light. I could move my arms again, but there's no escape. I tugged on the bands with all my strength with no result. I walked out onto the balcony and leaned against the railing.
"What should I do?" I asked.
An idea came to me. I have to make the man fall in love with me and act as if I feel the same way. The idea made my stomach turn uncomfortable. There was something so wrong in faking such emotions, but I would have to push past it. I will be worth if I get to be with Kakuzu again. A month passed slowly by.
Eiji's Perspective
A month past since Snow's arrival. It several weeks for her to stop fighting me. She was only biding her time until she found a way of escape. Her hatred of me has dulled. She doesn't scowl or glare at me as often. She seemed to be partly enjoying her time here. On occasion, I would catch a genuine smile. I feel something for her. It's more than lust. I owe her more than that.
I walked out onto the balcony of my office, breathing in the fresh. It looked out onto the garden. There sat Snow under a leafless tree reading. She was at peace. A blanket was wrapped around her shoulders, protecting her from the cool weather. Her cheeks were a light red from cold, but it didn't seem to bother her in the least. She met my gaze and gave me a small wave.
Watching her while she's like this put me at peace. Her name was so fitting. She as pure as the first snowfall. This peace is a rare luxury for me. Holding the title of Guardian is stressing, to say the least. Seventy years I've held this title. No predecessor has ever held it for so long. It should have never been held by an immortal. When first given I didn't have this horrid curse. I was so young only twenty. What a fool I was in accepting it. There suppose to two Guardians, not one. This was a precaution to make sure one person never held such power. Seventy years of this was too long for any person to hold this title. My peace was ruined, when my assistant came barging into the room.
"Eiji!" he yelled.
Two minutes of peace a new record. I didn't bother looking back at him.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"Well, isn't what I want", he said.
"Collect yourself and speak", I said.
"The villagers want to know when your wedding will be", he said.
"She's only been here a month and they already want me to marry her?" I asked.
"They adore her", he said.
Snow won't respond well to this. I'd fully intended to give her several years before marriage. She needs more time to adapt. Any person would. Forcing her into a wedding, so soon might ruin the progress she's made.
"Is there any we can put off longer?" I asked.
"Do you have cold feet?" asked my assistant.
"No, I only want to give her time", I said.
"I think she's ready. She's had enough time to learn the name of every villager. Do you not her love?" he asked.
I glared at my assistant I felt a rare rage filling my body.
"Of course I love her!" I yelled.
"I'm sorry that was a stupid question", he said.
I'm already in love with the girl and I've only known her for a month. It will be a miracle if she ever comes to love me. I took a deep breath and looked at my assistant who was scared out his mind.
"I apologize for losing my temper", I said.
"It's alright sir", said my assistant.
"When would be the best time?" I asked.
"Sir the only free time you have for next few year is this weekend", said my assistant.
"This weekend?" I asked.
"Yes", said my assistant.
"I have no other choice", I said.
"I'll tell the people", said my assistant.
"Yes", I said.
I looked out the window and saw a relaxed Snow. How is she going to respond to this?
Snow's Perspective
Over the time I've spent here I've learned a great deal. Eiji is a great leader who cares deeply about the people of the village. I wished he was some kind of evil on a grand scale, but he wasn't. By all reason, I should want to kill him for what he's done to me, but I didn't. Besides we were both under the same curse.
When he kidnapped me, it was out of his normal nature. There was guilt in his eyes every time he gazed at me. His eyes were always the window to his truth. I hated that he wasn't a monster. This was the first time I'd ever wished for a monster. I'd already meet so many. He allowed me to continue my training. On a rare occasion, he even trained with. I learned new jutsu and growing stronger.
He took me to my first real doctor's appointment. It was awkward and strange. I hate being poked and prodded. They ran so many tests on me. And so many shots. My arm hurt for days after the appointment. I understood it was all in the greater good of my health but it wasn't something I'd want to experience again anytime soon. There was one good thing I took away from the process, that I'm perfectly capable of having children. That meant maybe one day I could have a family with Kakuzu. Eiji was thrilled at the news. The clan needed new blood and was the person to do that. But I wouldn't give it to them.
I found myself building connections with the people of the village. I knew it would hurt me in the long run but I couldn't help it. Some were better than others. Most of them were kind. Leaving would be difficult but not impossible. This village would never be my home. My home is with my family. Not them. I sighed. I've even grown closer to my crazy sister Mari. She reminded me of Hidan in her passion and crazed ways. I've never seen her hurt someone just for the fun of it. She does enjoy freaking them out and making a person feel extremely uncomfortable. Kameko treated me horribly. That was unlikely to change. I did kill her father.
I couldn't concentrate on my book. It was a wonderful fairytale, but I couldn't give it the attention it deserved. I miss my family. I miss Kakuzu! That ache of missing them hasn't dulled in the least in the month I was away from them. The more I thought about them the more it hurt. Are they in this same state of ache? I don't want them to suffer because of me.
"Snowy!"
I fell from the bench. My heart was thudding uncontrollably.
"Mari, how many times have I told you not to do that", I said.
"I don't know a lot", she said.
"And you haven't learned", I said.
"Why would I want to learn when it's so much fun", said Mari.
"Where have you been? It's been two weeks since I last saw you", I said.
"Here and there. Do you really want to know the details of how I spend my time off?" asked Mari as she wiggled her eyebrows.
I don't want those images in my head.
"You're so fucking cute", said Mari as she pinched my cheek.
I slapped away her hand away.
"Ouch!"
"Is the poor guy still breathing?" I asked.
"How did you know it was a guy? And to answer your question yes they are alive", said Mari.
"Mari",
"Oh, the serious voice. What are we going to talk about now?" she asked.
"What's the appeal?" I asked.
"What?" asked Mari.
"Sleeping around. Why not build a relationship. I'm not judging your lifestyle only curious", I said.
"Monogamy is unnatural", said Mari.
"The real reason", I said.
"What's the point? I'm immortal if I make such a connection I'll only lose it. If you ever have children you'll outlive them. No, parent should watch their child die. You watch all those you love die. It's truly a curse", said Mari.
I wasn't expecting such an answer from her. I hugged her. It was the only thing I could think of.
"Don't get all mushy on me, Snow", she said.
I let go of her.
"I got you something while I was out", said Mari.
"You didn't have to", I said.
"I wanted to", said Mari.
She dropped a thin packet of papers on my lap. I opened it. On the first page was a printed picture of Kakuzu. It was ripped from a wanted poster. I traced the image. Sapphires and pink pearls fell onto the pages.
"Thank you", I said.
"You are such a fucking crybaby", said Mari.
I glared at her.
"I have all the right to cry!" I growled.
"You shouldn't be", said Mari.
"Why?" I asked.
"Have noticed all the commotion in the village?" asked Mari.
I nodded.
"Why do you think that is?" she asked.
"Don't know", I said.
"You're getting married", said Mari.
"WHAT?!" I yelled.
"No, need to get upset it only proves your plan is working", said Mari.
"Or it's being rushed due to scheduling issue", I said.
"Could be", said Mari.
"Why are you so determined in helping? Not that I mind", I said.
"What can I say I love stirring the pot", said Mari.
"When?" I asked.
"This weekend. So my previous plans have been ruined", said Mari.
"Today is Thursday", I said.
"No, shit", she said.
I can't fight this.
"You're wedding is going to be the biggest tourist event in decades. Invitations have been sent to all the big guys", said Mari.
"You mean the Hokage is coming", I said.
"Not only him but the Raikage, Kazekage, and Mizukage", said Mari.
"Not the Tsuchikage?" I asked.
"No, too much bad blood there", said Mari.
"Why?" I asked.
"I'm in no mood for giving a history lesson. I already have to go through the boredom of taking you dress shopping. You know how much I hate shopping", said Mari.
"What did you do to earn that punishment?" I asked.
"I cursed out some lord", said Mari.
She took me to a dress shop. I'd never seen so many dresses before.
"There's my bride", said the shop owner.
That was one thing I never thought I would be called.
"Do you have any idea about what you want to wear on your big day, baby sis?" asked Mari.
I rolled my eyes at her and she gave me the finger. We both laughed. The owner of the shop stared at us as if we were crazy. She rushed off somewhere.
"Here Minori I think you'll like these. Now strip", said the owner.
She placed a stack of dresses on a bench near me.
"What?" I asked.
Only Eiji has seen my scars. I shuttered.
"Oh, don't worry dear you're my only customer, so nobody will see you", said the owner.
"Minori, what's wrong?" asked Mari.
"Nothing", I said.
I took off pants first. Then I slowly eased off my shirt. I heard there gasps from behind. From the mirror in front of me, I could see their expressions. Mari quickly regained control of her expression. The owner couldn't do the same. She threw the backless dresses to the side.
"Sis", said Mari.
"A story for another time", I said.
"Let's start trying on dresses", said the owner.
The first dress I put was a ball gown style. I felt and looked ridiculous. Mari didn't even attempt to withhold her laughter.
"I look like a marshmallow", I said.
After countless dresses, I finally found one I liked. It was a long sleeve lace dress that hugged my figure. Over a hundred small button traveled down my back. It had a sweeping train.
"So it this the dress", asked Mari.
But it isn't the husband I want to wear it for. I realized I was frowning. I forced a weak smile. I'm in love, but not with my husband to be.
"This will be ready for your wedding, Minori", said the owner.
The villagers were swarming like a busy beehive.
"Would it kill you to act happier?" asked Mari.
"Maybe", I said.
"Funny", said Mari.
"If you have any suggestions on how I could do better I would love to hear it", I said.
"Pretend this yours and Kakuzu's wedding day", said Mari.
"Do you think it will work?" I asked.
"You have an active imagination use it. For example, when I'm with some random guy I pretend he's that hotty Hidan", said Mari.
"Ah, I didn't need to hear that!", I said.
She laughed.
"It works", said Mari.
"Okay", I said.
We walked home. If the giant Guardian Residence could be called that. The hideout is my home. It's damp, cold, and dark, but it was home. Another home was with Tatsuo. Tatsuo's house came close, but it wasn't the same. The wedding came far too soon. In the earliest hours of the morning. I heard a loud pounding on my bedroom door.
"WAKE UP MINORI!" screamed Mari.
"Coming", I said.
I slowly rose from bed. I didn't get up quickly enough. Mari broke down the door.
"I told you I was coming", I said.
"You weren't moving fast enough", said Mari.
"I'm up", I said.
"Now get your ass into the shower", said Mari as she pushed me into the bathroom.
"Come on let's hurry up everyone the wedding is in two hours", said the makeup person.
My hair was in loose curls and weaved pearls into my hair too.
"Your skin flawless you hardly need makeup", said the makeup artist.
"Thank you", I said.
"Minori, you have to take off that necklace it clashes with the dress", said the makeup person.
My hand wrapped protectively around my locket. I promised never to take it off. She took a deep breath and unlatched my necklace. I clutched it tightly in my hand. Mari walked to my side.
"I'll watch it for you", she said.
"I can watch it for you", said Mari.
I let her take it from my hand.
"I promise I'll take good care of it", said Mari.
There was true sincerity in her voice. She put it on. I was jealous. She was lucky enough to wear what's mine.
"This the safest place for it", said Mari.
"Please take good care of it", I said.
"I will", said Mari.
Mari was my only bride's maid. She wore a long dark red dress with short lace sleeves.
"You look beautiful", I said.
"Thanks", she said.
We walked to the large wooden double door that leads to the aisle. I was scared. I heard music playing through the doors. Mari squeezed my hand.
"Pretend it's Kakuzu and your wedding day", she whispered in my ear.
She walked down the aisle. I took a deep breath. Pretend its Kakuzu. The doors opened. Rose petals were scattered on the floor. Eiji stood at the end of the aisle. The entire village was there. Along with powerful face from other villages. I'd never seen so many people gathered for one event before.
This would be any girl's dream wedding day. For me, this was a nightmare. I made it where Eiji stood. Pretend I have to pretend. My imagination finally started working. I let tears of god and pink pearls fall. Disbelief spread through his expression These emotions weren't for him. They were for Kakuzu. We said our vows.
"You may kiss the bride", said the priest.
Eiji pulled up my vial.
Before he kissing me Eiji whispered in my ear, "I told you, so".
When the ceremony was over, we walked to the ballroom. Slow music started playing. Eiji lead me onto the dance floor. We danced. All eyes were focused on us. This was too much attention for me. After our dance, it was time to cut the cake. I smashed cake in his face. He laughed.
"Eiji may I ask your lovely bride to a dance", asked an old man.
"Certainly, Lord Hokage", said Eiji.
I took the man withered hand.
"What's your story young lady?" he asked.
His voice was kind and warm.
"It's a painful one I wish not share. But I can I say I never once imagined I'd ever dance with the Hokage of the Leaf", I said.
"Your husband is a lucky man", he said.
"He is", I said.
He returned me to my place by Eiji. Practically every man in the village asked me to dance. My feet were killing me by the time I managed to reach the table again. I didn't want to wear five-inch heels, but I didn't have a choice. Since Eiji is so tall I have to wear them or he would have to bend down to kiss me. My flower girl running up to me. She is one of the few children in my family.
"Minori, Minori one day I want to have a big wedding just like you! And marry the man love just like you", said the little girl.
"I bet one day you will", I said.
I hope one day she does. I really do.
"You really think so?" asked the girl.
"I do", I said.
Someone pulled on my dress. When I looked down, there was a little boy. He had curly blond hair and pretty blue eyes.
"Minori, can I have a dance pretty please?" asked the baker's son.
He was only four years and extremely cute.
"Of course I will dance with such a handsome young man, but I get to lead", I said.
I picked him up and did a little dance with him.
"Why couldn't you marry me?" asked the four-year-old before I put him down.
"Maybe if you were a lot older and asked sooner I would have said yes", I said.
"Really you would have?" asked the four-year-old.
"Yes, but I think there's a young lady who really wants to dance with you", I said as I pointed to the flower girl.
There was a pair of eyes on me. I turned to see Eiji gazing at me.
I turned and saw Eiji gazing at me. I blushed. He smiled. Could he be falling for me? He motioned for me to come closer. I took a seat beside him. His arm wrapped around my shoulder and pulled me closer.
"You will be a great mother one day, Minori", said Eiji.
I smiled. It was a wonderful compliment.
"Thank you", I said.
The party settled down and soon all the guests left. Kameko grabbed my hand and dragged me to the Guardian's residence. This was the part I dreaded. Consummating the marriage. Kameko shoved me into the bedroom. I nearly tripped. I would have fallen in Eiji hadn't caught me.
"Thanks", I said.
"Your feet must be killing you", said Eiji.
He lifted and sat me on the edge of the bed. Eiji went to his knees and slipped off my shoes.
"I never understood how women can wear these", he said.
We were both fully dressed and tired. He kissed me gently on the forehead.
"I know you don't want this, Snow. And I won't force your", said Eiji.
"Thank you", I said.
"I would never force such intimacy on you", said Eiji.
"Why?" I asked.
"Besides the obvious fact of it being rape. I owe you a great deal. You've returned something I thought lost", he said.
"What?" I asked.
"Love, something I thought not capable of feeling after losing my wife and son. I can't even say their names", said Eiji.
He lost his family. I can't imagine what it's like to lose a child. He suffered a loss on a greater level than I have. I rose from the bed.
"You look uncomfortable", said Eiji.
"I am. They don't exactly make these dresses for comfort", I said.
"I think I have something for you to wear", said Eiji.
He went to his dresser. I tensed when he touched my neck.
"Easy, I won't harm you", said Eiji.
I flinched when something cool touched my skin. My locket.
"Why are you returning this?" I asked.
"I would never keep away such a treasure. That would too cruel", Eiji.
"Thank you", I said.
"There's no need for thanks", he said.
"Can you help me with the buttons?" I asked.
His nimble fingers quickly unbuttoned each of them. The dress fell away from me. I smirked when Eiji wasn't even looking at me. I took the shirt from his hand. It was made from soft light blue silk. I put in on and buttoned it up. The soft cloth was wonderful against my skin.
"I won't touch you unless you wish it. We will share a room and bed to keep up appearances", said Eiji.
"I understand", I said.
He took off his shirt. Going down his spine was some kind of tattoo. I realized what it really was. It was made from the markings of immorality. When he unwrapped the bandages on his arms, it revealed more of the same markings. They went along his ribs too. He sat on the bed. Eiji broad shoulders were hunched. His eyes were focused on the ground.
"Can you untie this?" asked Eiji.
I untied the ribbon that held his silver hair in a ponytail. Now that he was closer I saw just how many immorality markings he had. Each of them signified a dead member of our family. Did he kill so many? He doesn't seem like that kind of man. Scars also marked his back. They resembled mine. I gently lay my hand on his back. His muscles tensed under my touch. I gave the same reaction.
"I'm not a monster, Snow", said Eiji.
Hidden in his deep voice was fear. Does he so deeply care what I think of him?
"Then how did you get this?" I asked.
"You know little of our history", said Eiji.
"Tell me", I said.
"Once our family was worthy of the pride villagers show to us. Our family spanned almost all level of society. To keep the bloodlines pure the elders forced most to marry within the family. I was one of the lucky few who was allowed to marry outside of the bloodline, said Eiji.
"Why?" I asked.
"To prevent disease caused by inbreeding every other child was allowed to marry outside of the family. The elders were extremely strict about this rule", said Eiji.
"What about children like me?" I asked.
"In the days of my youth, bastards were killed by other members of the Clan to grant them immortality. Some of the girls were married to low ranking individuals in the family to add new genes", said Eiji.
"That's horrible", I said.
"Yes, but it my it was normal it had been gone for decades before me. I don't know how to explain it", said Eiji.
"What about me?" I asked.
"By your father's time infertility plagued both men and women of our family. So you were considered a gift, despite your mother's standing", said Eiji.
"How long has fertility been a problem?" I asked.
"Even in my time, it was an issue. When I and my twin brother were considered miracles. There haven't been twins in the family since. Wonderful things were predicted for the Great Brothers, Hiro, and Eiji", he said.
He took a deep breath.
"We had a sister. She was beautiful. Her eyes were molten silver and skin as pale as moonlight", said Eiji.
"What happened to her?" I asked.
"She was a fragile girl, to begin with. When plague struck the village she fell ill. She suffered long. I lacked the strength to end her suffering no matter how she begged me", said Eiji.
I never thought the history of the family I came from would be so tragic.
"Her death added to the friction in the Clan. We split into two fractions. I of the second family Hiro, of the first. The tension boiled over when my father, Guardian Ryo died. He'd already chosen me as the next Guardian of the Hidden Diamond Village", said Eiji.
Eiji ran his hand through his hair, trying to decide what to say next.
"I never wanted the title. Hiro was always the strongest of the two of us. But he lacked the compassion for the task. That's why I was chosen over him. Hiro took this personally and some of our family supported him. Eventually, it led to civil war", he said.
He looked at me then shook his head.
"You don't want to hear this. Nor do I want to further speak on this subject", said Eiji.
"I know talking about things like this aren't pleasant, but in the long run it helps", I said.
"Fine", he said.
"Thank you", I said.
"I had the support of the local shinobi and those of the Sand and Leaf. But he had the support of the Land of Earth. That lasted four bloody years. I couldn't continue to ask other nations to sacrifice their shinobi any longer. I wanted to make peace, but Hiro wanted my complete surrender. I couldn't give him that. To many lives had been given for the sake of my cause. So he tried to force my hand", said Eiji.
"How?" I asked.
"He kidnapped my son and wife. Hiro knew I would do anything for them. When I found them, I tried desperately to make peace. He didn't want to negotiate. Hiro took my thoughts for making peace that could benefit the both of us as an insult. He slaughtered my family in front of me", said Eiji.
"Eiji?"
"Rage overtook me. I killed all his supporters. I was found covered in blood two days later. The next day the ended", he said.
I couldn't help pitying him. No one should ever be forced to see such a thing. I wrapped my arms around his neck. My head rested on his broad shoulder. His long silver hair hung like curtains in his face, hiding his expression from me. One of Eiji's large hands wrapped around mine. He kissed my hand.
"I'm so sorry for your loss", I said.
"It was a long time ago", said Eiji.
"That doesn't make it hurt any less", I said.
After hearing his greatest pain it felt like I should do the same.
"Kakuzu wasn't my first love", I said.
"Who?" asked Eiji.
"An artist named Takumi. Master hired him as a painter. In time we fell in love. We were each other's breath. He was all I could ever dream of wanting. Such kindness. He was one of the first people to treat me as a person. Takumi wanted to grant me freedom", I said.
I took a shaky breath.
"What happened to him?" I asked.
"Master discovered our relationship. He captured and tortured my artist. Master slit Takumi's throat in front of me", I said.
He turned and pulled me into his lap. I was held tightly to his firm chest He held me, so close to his chest I couldn't see his face. Sapphire and pink pearls feel onto lap. Eiji. He held me close the entire night.